There is always a moment right before company comes over where the kitchen suddenly becomes the most important room in the house. The counters are wiped but still somehow messy. A towel is thrown over my shoulder like I am on a cooking show but really it is because I keep washing my hands. The oven is warm, and the smell drifting out is the exact smell that makes people wander in and ask, “what are you making?” These little bites are usually the reason. I love recipes that feel a little special without actually stressing me out. I do not want to be stuck at the stove while everyone else is laughing in the living room. I want something I can slide into the oven, set a timer, and still be part of the moment. Puff pastry is my secret weapon for that. It does most of the work for you and somehow convinces everyone you spent all afternoon cooking.

There is a certain kind of happiness that only happens when bread is baking. You smell it before you see it. It fills the house slowly and somehow everyone ends up in the kitchen without being called. Someone asks how much longer. Someone else lifts the oven light just to peek even though they know they are not supposed to open the door. This is the bread I make when I want the house to feel warm on purpose.